2011-2012 Snowmobile Trail Permit Fee Increase
With its unique combination of abundant annual snowfall, exciting terrain and extensive trail network, Michigan is a popular destination for snowmobilers far and wide. More than 6,400 miles of designated snowmobile trails criss-cross state forests, three national forests and many acres of privately owned lands. In fact, Michigan is one of only a handful of states that offer a large network of groomed and signed snowmobile trails. Michigan's snowmobile trail network is successful because of the unique relationship that exists between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and our partners. The DNR provides grants to local snowmobile partners who, in turn, are responsible for the grooming and maintenance of the trails.
Snowmobiling is a Michigan tradition enjoyed by many. The DNR and our 68 snowmobile trail sponsors are committed to keeping our trails as safe as possible for every snowmobiler, but it takes dedicated resources to make that happen.
The snowmobile trail permit fee for 2011-12 is $45.
A state law signed in 2008 provides for incremental increases in snowmobile trail fees.
The Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) advocated and supported incremental trail permit increases in 2008. MSA sent out a survey to snowmobilers in and out of state, and the DNR was pleased to see that 80 percent supported the increase.
Fee structure under the law is as follows:
- $25 in 2008 season
- $35 in 2009 and 2010 seasons
- $45 in 2011 through 2015 seasons
Revenue from the sale of every trail permit fee is allocated by law as follows:
- 50 cents for department administrative costs
- $1 for agent selling the permit
- The balance deposited in the recreational snowmobile trail improvement subaccount
When it comes to keeping Michigan's trails safe and groomed, a little goes a long way. This fee increase is a way for every snowmobiler to do his or her part ? a reasonable expense toward providing season-long access to miles and miles of magical Michigan trails.
Why Increase the Fee?
The fee increase is necessary to:
- Offset increasing snowmobile trail sponsor costs (such as fuel, engineering services and insurance) to maintain the designated snowmobile trail network
- Fund long-term trail infrastructure needs, such as bridges and culverts
What is the Fee Used For?
The DNR annually issues grants from the recreational snowmobile trail improvement subaccount to non-profit snowmobile trail sponsors. The following are for 2010-2011:
- Equipment - $1,876,717
- Grooming - $1,704,184
- Special Maintenance (filling and grading, bridge repair
and replacement, culverts, new development, etc.) - $1,546,548
- Miscellaneous Expenses (comp insurance, liability insurance,
land lease payments, snowplowing and portable toilets at trailheads) - $765,501
- Brushing and Signing - $576,054
- Major Repair of Equipment - $196,615
- Signs and Posts - $95,726
- Groomer Utility - $94,200
- Contingency - $69,000
- Fuel Adjustment - $63,394
- Holdback for Next Year - $800,000
Number of designated snowmobile miles in 2010-11: 6,407 miles. This is slightly less than 2009-10 (6,412 miles). Although there were new trails approved and developed, some miles were lost due to trail closures, reroutes and lost private landowner permissions. These do fluctuate up or down slightly every year.
Number of miles groomed in 2010-11: 372,906
Number of permits sold in 2010-11: 164,003
Total permit dollars received: $5,543,118
2011 snowmobile grant spending authority: $8,004,000
